{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"J.H. Florence Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1447062,"projectId":8019906,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Deaf Education early childhood program now has access to specialized books that promote parent-child bonding through American Sign Language (ASL) and rhyming. These resources have become invaluable tools in bridging the communication gap that many of our families experience.\r\nDonorsChoose\r\n\r\nThe \"Rhyme & Sign\" books have transformed our reading sessions into interactive and engaging experiences. Parents and children are now able to physically engage with signs while enjoying rhymes, making language learning both fun and memorable. This hands-on approach has not only enhanced vocabulary acquisition but also strengthened the emotional connection between parents and their children.\r\n\r\nOne mother shared that her previously reserved child now eagerly brings the \"Rhyme & Sign\" book to her, excited to practice new signs together. This newfound enthusiasm for communication has opened doors for deeper understanding and connection within the family.\r\n\r\nYour support has provided more than just books; you've offered families the gift of communication, understanding, and closeness. We are profoundly grateful for your contribution to our students' and families' journeys.","fullyFundedDate":1700758816070,"projectUrl":"project/rhyme-sign/8019906/","projectTitle":"Rhyme & Sign","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1447062_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449236190424","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/atownsend"},{"teacherId":1447062,"projectId":5539780,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Deaf Education program now boasts a comprehensive library filled with books on Deafness, American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf Culture, and hearing amplification. This invaluable resource has become a cornerstone for both our students and their families, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their unique identities.\r\n\r\nIn our classrooms, these books have transformed reading sessions into immersive experiences where students see themselves reflected in the stories they read. This representation has not only enhanced their engagement but also bolstered their self-esteem and cultural pride. For instance, one student was thrilled to find a character who uses the same hearing device, leading to a heartfelt discussion about their shared experiences.\r\n\r\nMoreover, parents have expressed gratitude for access to these materials, noting how they've facilitated better communication and connection at home. Workshops utilizing these books have empowered families to embrace ASL and Deaf Culture, bridging gaps and strengthening bonds.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than provide books; you've enriched lives, nurtured identities, and built bridges of understanding. We are profoundly grateful for your contribution to our students' journeys.","fullyFundedDate":1620223593169,"projectUrl":"project/read-and-grow-a-deaf-education-learning/5539780/","projectTitle":"Read and Grow: A Deaf Education Learning Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1447062_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449236190424","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/atownsend"},{"teacherId":1447062,"projectId":5514830,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Deaf Education early childhood classrooms have been enriched with essential sensory and motor tools that are pivotal during these critical language development years. The addition of items such as sensory bins, balance toys, and calming tools has transformed our learning environment, allowing us to better cater to the unique needs of our students.\r\n\r\nThese materials have enabled us to create engaging, hands-on activities that promote both motor skills and language acquisition. For instance, using balance toys, students develop coordination while simultaneously learning new vocabulary related to movement and spatial awareness. The sensory bins have become a favorite, offering tactile experiences that encourage exploration and communication.\r\n\r\nOne particularly heartwarming example is a student who previously found it challenging to engage during group activities. With the introduction of calming tools from this project, they've shown remarkable improvement in focus and participation, leading to more meaningful interactions with peers and teachers.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided tangible resources but has also fostered an environment where our students feel understood, engaged, and empowered to learn. We are deeply grateful for your contribution to their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1619553113729,"projectUrl":"project/foundations-for-early-childhood-sensory/5514830/","projectTitle":"Foundations for Early Childhood: Sensory and Motor Lab #3","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1447062_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449236190424","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/atownsend"},{"teacherId":1447062,"projectId":5514791,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our youngest Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners—some as young as six months old—now have access to a rich sensory and motor environment designed to support their earliest language development. With your help, we were able to create a shared Language, Sensory, and Motor Lab across our four early childhood classrooms, filled with items like play tunnels, sensory floor tiles, scooters, bean bag chairs, mirrors, and calming kits.\r\n\r\nThese materials are more than just fun—they're developmentally essential. Our students are learning how to move their bodies, regulate their emotions, and build connections—all while immersed in an environment that fosters visual attention and communication. We've watched toddlers crawl through tunnels toward their teachers with huge smiles, use mirrors for facial expression practice during sign language activities, and pause on a cozy bean bag chair during transition times to calm and reset.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we're not just teaching language—we're laying the sensory and motor foundations that make language possible. Your support is helping our students grow stronger, more confident, and more ready to communicate every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1619538308885,"projectUrl":"project/foundations-for-early-childhood-sensory/5514791/","projectTitle":"Foundations for Early Childhood: Sensory and Motor Lab #2","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1447062_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449236190424","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/atownsend"},{"teacherId":1447062,"projectId":5513545,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our Deaf Education early childhood classrooms now have access to essential sensory regulation tools that are helping our students feel safe, calm, and ready to learn. Many of our students come to us with limited language exposure and unique sensory needs, and these materials have given us a powerful way to support their development from the inside out.\r\n\r\nWith sensory bins, weighted lap pads, wiggle seats, and fidget tools, we've been able to integrate calming strategies directly into our classroom routines. These tools allow students to explore textures, develop fine motor skills, and self-regulate their energy levels—giving them the foundation they need to engage with language and learning activities. One of our students who previously struggled to attend group time can now sit through an entire story while holding a weighted item. Another child who had difficulty transitioning between activities is now using a sensory bin as part of a calming routine with amazing success.\r\n\r\nReading and learning in our classroom looks different—but it's joyful, meaningful, and intentionally designed to meet each student where they are. Thank you for helping us build those early foundations. Your support is shaping not only how our students learn, but how they feel about themselves in the process.","fullyFundedDate":1619553174827,"projectUrl":"project/foundations-for-early-childhood-sensory/5513545/","projectTitle":"Foundations for Early Childhood: Sensory and Motor Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1447062_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449236190424","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/atownsend"},{"teacherId":1447062,"projectId":8018388,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our Deaf Education classrooms now have a growing library of books that reflect our students' identities, communication needs, and experiences. These new texts have opened doors—not just to language development, but to pride, connection, and joy.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom isn't just about sounding out words—it's about creating meaning through language that's accessible. Most of my students are in the early stages of language development due to delayed access to sign language, so we use a visual and interactive approach to build understanding. These books help us introduce foundational concepts like identifying emotions, building vocabulary, learning turn-taking in conversations, and understanding stories through both pictures and signs.\r\n\r\nSome of the books have become fast favorites! One student repeatedly requests a story about hearing aids and points to her own device with excitement. Another loves flipping through an ASL alphabet book, trying to copy each sign with big smiles and giggles. For many of our families, these books have helped bridge the gap between home and school, offering parents new tools to support their child's language journey at home.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these books goes far beyond literacy—they're helping shape confident, curious little humans who feel seen and celebrated. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1700235291562,"projectUrl":"project/read-and-grow-a-deaf-education-learning/8018388/","projectTitle":"Read and Grow: A Deaf Education Learning Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1447062_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449236190424","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/atownsend"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_13669","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":472,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":71,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.7,"schoolId":13669,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about J.H. 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Join the 102 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
J.H. Florence Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Mesquite, Texas that is part of Mesquite Independent School District.
It serves 472 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.5:1.
Its teachers have had 38 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
89%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
J.H. Florence Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
J.H. Florence Elementary School
$18,336
raised using DonorsChoose
38
projects
funded
12
teachers
funded
102
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
8
projects for
technology
9
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
J.H. Florence Elementary School has received support from
66 individuals from Texas and
36 individuals out-of-state.